The countdown for witnessing Jai Lava Kusa has already begun and the protagonist Junior NTR aka Tarak shared his experience with us on a breezy Tuesday evening at the Park Hyatt in Hyderabad…
Tarak considers himself to be very fortunate to get a movie like Jai Lava Kusa which he describes as one of its kind opportunity. Though he signed the movie taking into consideration the emotions and drama, the three roles demanded a lot more and the actor “worked very hard” as this was Tarak’s “chance to excel”.
With each of the characters Jai, Lava and Kusa depicted differently, Tarak cheerfully said, “Portraying three characters was not like doing three movies but more like doing hundred movies at once.”
Jai is the most defining moment
The actor considers Jai’s intense role to be the most defining moment for his career especially because a lot of research went in and the whole story progresses from Jai’s point of view. “I had reference point for Lava from Janatha Garage/Nanaku Prematoh and for Kusa from Yama Donga. It is extremely challenging to play Jai, when you don’t have a reference point for a character that adores the mighty villainous Ravana”. He gives the credit to director Bobby for the stuttering act of Jai. While the entire movie was challenging for the award-winning actor, the most difficult part was achieving the voice of Jai.
Tarak considers himself very blessed as he doesn’t have to be dress up like Ravana, thus, avoiding unwarranted comparisons with Late N T Rama Rao who has set an unprecedented parameter for Ravana’s role. Though there will be obvious references to Late NTR, Tarak says “I wanted to get my way in Ravana’s character and not replicate my grand-father”.
Working under own banner
Speaking about working in home production – NTR Arts, Tarak held, “there was special pressure to deliver something good”. The relationship between hero and producer is same for any movie, but with this movie, the tag of hero and producer were discarded. In many situations Kalyan Ram took decisions singlehandedly and in several other instances Tarak himself took unanimous decisions.
Overwhelming to play three roles using new technology
Portraying three roles with the new technology especially with a robotic arm constantly moving beside him was “overwhelming and disturbing” initially. Tarak took some time to get adjusted to the movements of robotic arm and adds that Mo-sys was more practical solution and offered the flexibility to shoot in small places, indoors and other tiny places.
DSP’s background score
About the music, Tarak says DSP has proved his mettle. He said the background score is commendable effort especially for an emotional film like Jai Lava Kusa. He said in some scenes the film will “really really make you cry”.
Audience appreciate novelty
Jai Lava Kusa is not just about relationship between brothers but about the good, bad and the differences in their journey together. Tarak requests people not to use extremely negative words when someone tries innovative things, instead appreciate their attempt. He welcomes the constant love and affection from fans and adds, “the newness will always be accepted by audience be it films or a reality show like Bigg Boss”.
Fluky to be host of Bigg Boss
Tarak likes his new role as host and said, “every week being able to reach out to audience is my luck”. Terming the Bigg Boss format as “challenging”, the host did not disclose details about his choice of winner. Also, expressing uncertainty over his future projects on television-Tarak says, “No one can predict one’s longevity especially in creative industry. As long as my age supports I will do as many things as possible which give me ultimate happiness”.
Concludes by rating his contribution
The actor who is nothing less than excited for the outcome of Jai Lava Kusa which all set to hit screens on 21st September, concludes by saying “as much as an actor can do and should do, I did. As much as a brother should do, I did. I have given the contribution that I was supposed to do for Jai Lava Kusa”.
